Helen Kardashian was born Helen Jean Arakelian on July 15, 1917, in Oakland, California, to Armenian immigrant parents Arakel and Vartanoosh Arakelian. Her family’s journey to the United States was rooted in the pursuit of safety and opportunity. Coming from the Kars Oblast region, once part of the Russian Empire and now within modern-day Turkey, the Arakelians carried with them a deep sense of cultural pride and resilience. Helen grew up with her siblings Armen, Dorothy, Hazel, and Haig in a close-knit Armenian-American household. Family values, unity, and the importance of hard work were central to their upbringing, qualities that Helen would later pass down to her children and grandchildren.
Marriage and Building a Family
In 1938, at the age of 20, Helen married Arthur Kardashian in Los Angeles. The couple built their life together in California, first settling in Windsor Hills before later moving to Indian Wells. They welcomed three children: Robert Kardashian Sr., Barbara Kardashian Freeman, and Thomas “Tom” Kardashian. Together, Helen and Arthur also operated a meat-packing business, which became a primary source of income for the family for many years. Though the business eventually closed due to a government order, the experience left the family with a strong sense of perseverance and adaptability. Helen’s role as a wife and mother was central to her life. She fostered a household environment that valued togetherness, support, and dedication to one another’s success.
The Rise of Robert Kardashian Sr.
Among Helen’s three children, Robert Kardashian Sr. emerged as the most widely recognized figure in the public eye. Born in 1944, Robert pursued a career in law and became a respected attorney. His involvement in the O.J. Simpson trial in 1995, one of the most publicized legal cases in American history, brought the Kardashian name into the national spotlight. Robert’s professionalism and composure during the trial earned him both admiration and media attention. His role in the case became a defining moment for the family’s public recognition, though his contributions as a father were equally significant. Robert raised four children—Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, and Rob Kardashian—instilling in them the values of determination and loyalty that he had learned from his own parents. These values became the foundation for the empire his children would go on to build in entertainment, fashion, and business.
Helen’s Influence on the Kardashian Legacy
Although Helen Kardashian never sought the spotlight, her influence on her family’s trajectory is undeniable. She was a link between her Armenian heritage and the modern, entrepreneurial spirit that her descendants embody. Her emphasis on hard work, unity, and cultural pride resonated strongly with her children and grandchildren. The Kardashian family’s later ventures in business and media often echoed themes of family loyalty, resilience, and ambition—traits rooted in Helen’s own life experiences. Even as her grandchildren’s fame reached global heights, they frequently expressed the importance of their family history, a testament to Helen’s enduring impact.
Life in Later Years
In her later years, Helen enjoyed the rewards of a life centered around family and community. She continued to maintain close relationships with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Despite the fame surrounding her family in the 2000s, Helen preferred a more private lifestyle, choosing to remain a grounding presence rather than a public figure. She spent her final years at the Ararat Nursing Home in Mission Hills, California, surrounded by love and care.
Passing and Legacy
Helen Kardashian passed away peacefully on May 21, 2008, at the age of 90. At the time of her passing, she was survived by her husband Arthur, her children Barbara and Tom, her sister Hazel, nine grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. She was laid to rest at Inglewood Park Cemetery in Inglewood, California. Her death marked the end of an era for the Kardashian family, but her influence continues to be felt. From the family’s early struggles and business ventures to their rise on the world stage, Helen’s legacy lives on in the values and determination her descendants carry forward.
Conclusion
Helen Kardashian’s life story is a reminder that the foundation of even the most public success often begins in the quiet strength of those behind the scenes. Born to immigrant parents and raised in a household that valued hard work and cultural identity, she carried these principles into her own family. As a wife, mother, and grandmother, Helen shaped the Kardashian legacy in ways that extend far beyond television cameras and business deals. While she never sought fame, her life’s work is evident in the resilience, ambition, and unity that have defined the Kardashian name for generations. Her story stands as a testament to how deeply one person’s values can influence the course of a family’s history.